Symptomatic Relief Associated With Eyelid Hygiene in Anterior Blepharitis and MGD

Objective: The principal objective of this investigation was to assess the symptomatic relief associated with eyelid hygiene using Blephaclean eye pads, a cosmetic product, to manage anterior blepharitis or Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with dry eye complaints. Method: The investigation was a bilateral, prospective, interventional open label investigation of 3-month duration. The test population was made up of dry eye sufferers with at least mild symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] >= 13) who presented with mild to moderate anterior blepharitis or MGD. Eyelid hygiene was intensive (twice a day) for the initial 3 weeks and a maintenance regimen (once a day) for the remainder of the study. At each visit, a detailed assessment of symptomatology was carried out. The assessment included the reporting of overall symptomatology with the OSDI questionnaire, of comfort and specific symptoms at the end of the day on 100-point visual analog scales and of specific MGD-related symptoms on forced choice 5-point scales. Result: Forty subjects aged 22 to 74 years (54 +/- 15 years) were enrolled, of whom 39 completed the investigation. The product usage revealed good overall compliance throughout the study. The results revealed significant improvement in symptomatology. A significant (P < 0.001) decrease in overall symptomatology was recorded (Mean OSDI: baseline = 30, day 21 = 18, day 90 = 19; Symptomatic status: baseline 100%, day 21 55%, day 90 54%) associated with significant (P < 0.001) increase in the end of day comfort (Mean score: baseline = 56, day 21 = 67, day 90 = 67) and decrease in end of day dryness (Mean score: baseline = 55, day 21 = 42, day 90 = 41). Conclusions: The results showed that eyelid hygiene with Blephaclean wipes by subjects with anterior blepharitis or MGD significantly decreased their associated symptomatology and increased their ocular comfort. The data confirmed the efficiency of the clinical methodology, put forward of 3 weeks of intensive use (twice a day) of eyelid wipes followed by maintenance use (once a day); that approach achieved a rapid symptomatic improvement that was maintained over time.